Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

A liquid crystal composition is provided that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. An AM device is provided that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase contains a specific five-ring compound having a large maximum temperature as the first component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as the second component, and a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature as the third component. The liquid crystal display device contains the liquid crystal composition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-165430, filed Jun. 25, 2008, which application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates mainly to a liquid crystal composition suitable for use in an active matrix (AM) device, and an AM device containing the composition. More specifically, the invention relates to a liquid crystal composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy, and also relates to a device of a twisted nematic (TN) mode, an optically compensated bend (OCB) mode, an in-plane switching (IPS) mode or a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode containing the composition.

2. Related Art

In a liquid crystal display device, classification based on an operating mode of liquid crystals includes phase change (PC), twisted nematic (TN), super twisted nematic (STN), electrically controlled birefringence (ECB), optically compensated bend (OCB), in-plane switching (IPS), vertical alignment (VA), polymer sustained alignment (PSA) and so forth. Classification based on a driving mode of the device includes a passive matrix (PM) and an active matrix (AM). PM is further classified into static, multiplex and so forth, and AM is classified into a thin film transistor (TFT), a metal insulator metal (MIM) and so forth. TFT is further classified into amorphous silicon and polycrystal silicon. The latter is classified into a high temperature type and a low temperature type according to a production process. Classification based on a light source includes a reflection type utilizing a natural light, a transmission type utilizing a backlight and a semi-transmission type utilizing both the natural light and the backlight.

These devices contain a liquid crystal composition having suitable characteristics. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase. General characteristics of the composition should be improved to obtain an AM device having good general characteristics. Table 1 below summarizes a relationship between the general characteristics of the two. The general characteristics of the composition will be explained further based on a commercially available AM device. A temperature range of a nematic phase relates to the temperature range in which the device can be used. A desirable maximum temperature of the nematic phase is approximately 70° C. or more and a desirable minimum temperature is approximately −10° C. or less. The viscosity of the composition relates to the response time of the device. A short response time is desirable for displaying a moving image. Accordingly, a small viscosity of the composition is desirable. A small viscosity at a low temperature is more desirable.

TABLE 1 General Characteristics of Liquid Crystal Composition and AM Device General Characteristics of a General Characteristics of No Composition an AM Device 1 Temperature range of a nematic Usable temperature range is wide phase is wide 2 Viscosity is small¹⁾ Response time is short 3 Optical anisotropy is suitable Contrast ratio is large 4 Dielectric anisotropy is Threshold voltage is low, electric positively or negatively large power consumption is small, and contrast ratio is large 5 Specific resistance is large Voltage holding ratio is large, and a contrast ratio is large 6 It is stable to ultraviolet light Service life is long and heat ¹⁾A liquid crystal composition can be injected into a cell in a short time.

The optical anisotropy of the composition relates to the contrast ratio of the device. A product (Δn·d) of the optical anisotropy (Δn) of the composition and the cell gap (d) of the device is designed to maximize the contrast ratio. A suitable value of the product depends on the kind of operation mode. In a device having a TN mode, a suitable value is approximately 0.45 μm. In this case, a composition having a large optical anisotropy is desirable for a device having a small cell gap. A large dielectric anisotropy of the composition contributes to a low threshold voltage, a small electric power consumption and a large contrast ratio of the device. Accordingly, a large dielectric anisotropy is desirable. A large specific resistance of the composition contributes to a large voltage holding ratio and a large contrast ratio of the device. Accordingly, a composition having a large specific resistance is desirable at room temperature and also at a high temperature in the initial stage. A composition having a large specific resistance is desirable at room temperature and also at a high temperature after it has been used for a long time. A stability of the composition to an ultraviolet light and heat relates to a service life of the liquid crystal display device. In the case where the stability is high, the device has a long service life. These characteristics are desirable for an AM device used in a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television and so forth.

In an AM device having a TN mode, a composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used. In an AM device having a VA mode, a composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used. In an AM device having an IPS mode, a composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used. In an AM device having a PSA mode, a composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used. Examples of the liquid crystal composition having a positive anisotropy are disclosed in EP 1482019 (2004), WO 2004/048501, WO 2005/019378, WO 2005/019381, WO 2006/125511, WO 1996/11897, JP 2003-176251.

A desirable AM device is characterized as having a usable temperature range that is wide, a response time that is short, a contrast ratio that is large, a threshold voltage that is low, a voltage holding ratio that is large, a service life that is long, and so forth. Even one millisecond shorter response time is desirable. Thus, the composition having characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to an ultraviolet light, a high stability to heat, and so forth is especially desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns a liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase that includes two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1-1) and (1-2) the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3). The invention also concerns a liquid crystal display device that includes the liquid crystal composition.

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3,5-difluoro-1,4 phenylene; ring D, ring E, ring F and ring G are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z¹, Z² and Z³ are each independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and m is 0 or 1.

The invention also concerns a liquid crystal display device that includes the liquid crystal composition, and so forth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The terms used in the specification and claims are defined as follows. The liquid crystal composition and/or the liquid crystal display device of the invention may occasionally be expressed simply as “the composition” or “the device,” respectively. A liquid crystal display device is a generic term for a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display module. The “liquid crystal compound” is a generic term for a compound having a liquid crystal phase such as a nematic phase, a smectic phase and so forth, and also for a compound having no liquid crystal phase but being useful as a component of a composition. The useful compound contains, for example, a 6-membered ring such as 1,4-cyclohexylene and 1,4-phenylene, and its molecular structure is rod like. An optically active compound or a polymerizable compound may occasionally be added to the composition. Even in the case where the compound is a liquid crystal compound, the compound is classified into an additive. At least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (1-1) may be abbreviated to “the compound (1-1).” The “compound (1-1)” means one compound or two or more compounds represented by formula (1-1). The other formulas are applied with the same rules. The term “arbitrary” means that not only the position but also the number are arbitrary, but the case where the number is zero is not included.

A higher limit of a temperature range of a nematic phase may be abbreviated to “a maximum temperature.” A lower limit of a temperature range of a nematic phase may be abbreviated to “a minimum temperature.” “A specific resistance is large” means that the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature of a nematic phase in the initial stage, the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature of a nematic phase even after it has been used for a long time. “A voltage holding ratio is large” means that a device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature of a nematic phase in the initial stage, the device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature of a nematic phase even after it has been used for a long time. In the description of the characteristics such as optical anisotropy, the characteristics of the composition such as the optical anisotropy and so forth are values measured in the methods disclosed in Examples. The first component includes one compound or two or more compounds. “A ratio of the first component” means the percentage by weight (% by weight) of the first component based on the total weight of liquid crystal composition. A ratio of the second component and so forth are applied with the same rule. A ratio of an additive mixed with the composition means the percentage by weight (% by weight) based on the total weight of liquid crystal composition.

In the chemical formulas of the component compounds, symbol R¹ is used in plural compounds. In these compounds, two arbitrary R¹ may be the same as or different from each other. In one case, for example, R¹ of the compound (1-1) is ethyl and R¹ of the compound (1-2) is ethyl. In another case, R¹ of the compound (1-1) is ethyl and R¹ of the compound (1-2) is propyl. This rule is also applicable to the symbols R², R³ and so forth. CL in the chemical formulas is chlorine.

One of the advantages of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat and so forth. Another advantage of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics among many characteristics. Another advantage of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device that contains the liquid crystal composition. Another of the advantage of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition that has a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a high stability to ultraviolet light and so forth, and is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

The invention has the following features.

1. A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase comprising three components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1-1) and (1-2), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3):

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3,5-difluoro-1,4 phenylene; ring D, E, F and G are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z¹, Z² and Z³ are each independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and m is 0 or 1.

2. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (1-1-1) to (1-1-4) and (1-2-1):

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; and X¹, X², X¹, X⁴, X¹, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy.

3. The liquid crystal composition according to item 2, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (I-1-1) to (1-1-3).

4. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to (2-6):

wherein R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.

5. The liquid crystal composition according to item 4, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1).

6. The liquid crystal composition according to item 4, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (2-1) to (2-4).

7. The liquid crystal composition according to item 4, wherein the second component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1), at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-4), and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-6).

8. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to (3-4):

wherein R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.

9. The liquid crystal composition according to item 8, wherein the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-4).

10. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein a ratio of the first component is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 25% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition, a ratio of the second component is from approximately 30% by weight to approximately 80% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition, and a ratio of the third component is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 25% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.

11. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the composition further comprises at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a fourth component:

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring H is independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 1,4-phenylene,2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene,3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5-pirymidine; Z⁴ is independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy or difluoromethyleneoxy; X¹ and X² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and n is 1, 2 or 3.

12. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (4-1) to (4-17):

wherein R⁴ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

13. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-9).

14. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11).]

15. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-14).

16. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-17).

17. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-6) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11).

18. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-9) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11).

19. The liquid crystal composition according to item 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-17).

20. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 11 to 19, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is from approximately 10% by weight to approximately to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.

21. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 20, wherein the composition has a maximum temperature of a nematic phase of approximately 70° C. or more, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nm of approximately 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz of approximately 2 or more.

22. A liquid display device that includes the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 21.

23. The liquid crystal display device according to item 22, wherein the liquid crystal display device has an operation mode of a TN mode, an OCB mode, an IPS mode or a PSA mode, and has a driving mode of an active matrix mode.

The invention further includes: (1) the composition described above, wherein the composition further contains an optically active compound; (2) the composition described above, wherein the composition further contains an additive, such as an antioxidant, an ultraviolet light absorbent, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator and so forth; (3) an AM device containing the composition described above; (4) a device having a TN, ECB, OCB, IPS or PSA mode, containing the composition described above; (5) a device of a transmission type, containing the composition described above; (6) use of the composition described above as a composition having a nematic phase; and (7) use as an optically active composition by adding an optically active compound to the composition described above.

The composition of the invention will be explained in the following order. First, the constitution of component compounds in the composition will be explained. Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the composition will be explained. Third, combinations of components in the composition, desirable ratios of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. Fourth, a desirable embodiment of the component compounds will be explained. Fifth, examples of the component compound will be shown. Sixth, additives that may be added to the composition will be explained. Seventh, the preparation methods of the component compound will be explained. Lastly, use of the composition will be explained.

First, the constitution of component compounds in the composition will be explained. The composition of the invention is classified into the composition A and the composition B. The composition A may further contain other compounds such as another liquid crystal compound, an additive, an impurity, and so forth. “Another liquid crystal compound” is different from the compound (1-1), the compound (1-2), the compound (2), the compound (3), the compound (4). Such a liquid crystal compound is mixed with the composition for the purpose of adjusting the characteristics of the composition. Among the other liquid crystal compounds, an amount of a cyano compound is desirably small from the viewpoint of stability to heat or ultraviolet light. More desirable amount of a cyano compound is 0% by weight. The additive includes an optically active compound, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet light absorbent, a coloring matter, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator and so forth. The impurity is a compound and so forth contaminated in the process such as the synthesis of a component compound and so forth. Even when the compound is a liquid crystal compound, it is classified into an impurity herein.

The composition B essentially consists of the compounds selected from the compound (1-1), the compound (1-2), the compound (2), the compound (3), and the compound (4). The term “essentially” means that the composition may contain an additive and an impurity, but does not contain a liquid crystal compound that is different from these compounds. The components of the composition B are fewer than those of the composition A. The composition B is preferable to the composition A from the viewpoint of cost reduction. The composition A is preferable to the composition B, because characteristics of the composition A can be further adjusted by mixing other liquid crystal compounds.

Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the composition will be explained. The main characteristics of the component compounds are summarized in Table 2, based on the effects of the present invention. In Table 2, the symbol L represents large or high, the symbol M represents a middle degree, and the symbol S represents small or low. The symbols L, M and S are classification based on qualitative comparison among the component compounds, and 0 (zero) means the value is nearly zero.

TABLE 2 Characteristics of Compounds Compound (1) (1-2) (2) (3) (4) Maximum M M S-L L S-M temperature Viscosity L L S-M M-L M-L Optical M-L M-L S-L M-L M-L anisotropy Dielectric M-L M-L 0 0 S-L anisotropy Specific L L L L L resistance

The main effects of the component compounds to the characteristics of the composition upon mixing the component compounds in the composition are as follows. The compounds (1-1) and (1-2) increase the maximum temperature and increase the dielectric anisotropy. The compound (2) increases the maximum temperature or decreases the viscosity. The compound (3) increases the maximum temperature. The compound (4) decreases the minimum temperature and increases the dielectric anisotropy.

Third, combinations of components in the composition, desirable ratios of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. Examples of the combinations of the components in the composition include (first component+second component+third component) and (first component+second component+third component+fourth component).

A desirable ratio of the first component is approximately 5% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature and the dielectric anisotropy, and is approximately 25% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 20% by weight. A particularly desirable ratio is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 15% by weight.

A desirable ratio of the second component is approximately 30% by weight or more for decreasing the viscosity, and is approximately 80% by weight or less for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 35% by weight to approximately 75% by weight. A particularly desirable ratio is from approximately 40% by weight to approximately 70% by weight.

A desirable ratio of the third component is approximately 5% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature and is approximately 25% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 20% by weight. A particularly desirable ratio is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 15% by weight.

The fourth component is particularly suitable for preparing a composition having a large dielectric anisotropy. A desirable ratio of the component is from approximately 10% by weight to approximately 50% by weight. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 10% by weight to approximately 45% by weight. A particularly desirable ratio is from approximately 15% by weight to approximately 40% by weight.

Fourth, a desirable embodiment of the component compound will be explained. R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. Desirable R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat. R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine. Desirable R² is alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature or decreasing the viscosity. Desirable R³ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat, and so forth. Desirable R⁴ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. Desirable R⁴ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat, and so forth.

Desirable alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, or octyl. More desirable alkyl is ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, or heptyl for decreasing a viscosity.

Desirable alkoxy is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy, or heptyloxy. More desirable alkoxy is methoxy or ethoxy for decreasing a viscosity.

Desirable alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, or 5-hexenyl. More desirable alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 3-butenyl, or 3-pentenyl for decreasing a viscosity. A desirable configuration of —CH═CH— in these alkenyls depends on the position of a double bond. Trans is desirable in the alkenyl such as 1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-pentenyl, and 3-hexenyl for decreasing the viscosity. Cis desirable in the alkenyl such as 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl and 2-hexenyl. In these alkenyls, linear alkenyl is preferable to branched alkenyl.

Preferred examples of alkenyl in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine include 2,2-difluorovinyl, 3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl, 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl, 5,5-difluoro-4-pentenyl and 6,6-difluoro-5-hexenyl. More preferred examples thereof include 2,2-difluorovinyl and 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl,2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene,3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene. Desirable ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the viscosity, or 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl for increasing the dielectric anisotropy. Ring D, ring E, ring F and ring G are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene. Desirable ring D, ring E, ring F and ring G are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the viscosity, or are 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy. Ring H is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene,3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5-pyrimidine. When n is 2 or 3, two arbitrary rings H may be the same as or different from each other. Desirable ring H is 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy.

Z¹, Z² and Z³ are each independently a single bond, ethylene, or carbonyloxy. Desirable Z¹, Z² and Z³ are each independently a single bond for decreasing the viscosity. Z⁴ is independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy or difluoromethyleneoxy; when n is 2 or 3, arbitrary two Z⁴ may be the same as or different from each other. Desirable Z⁴ is difluoromethyleneoxy for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

X¹, X², X³, X⁴, X⁵ X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are each independently hydrogen or fluorine. Three or more of X¹, X², X³, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷, and X⁸ are preferably fluorine for increasing the dielectric anisotropy.

Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy. Desirable Y¹ is fluorine for decreasing the minimum temperature.

Fifth, examples of the component compounds will be shown. In the desirable compounds described below, R⁵ is linear alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons. R⁶ is linear alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or linear alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons. R⁷ and R⁸ are each independently linear alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or linear alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. In these desirable compounds, trans is preferable to cis for the configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene for increasing the maximum temperature.

Desirable compounds (1-1) are the compounds (1-1-1-1), (1-1-2-1) to (1-1-2-2), (1-1-3-1), and (1-1-4-1). More desirable compounds (1-1) are the compounds (1-1-1-1) and (1-1-2-1) and (1-1-3-1). Particularly desirable compounds (1-1) are (1-1-1-1) and (1-1-2-1). Desirable compounds (1-2) are the compounds (1-2-1-1). Desirable compounds (2) are the compounds (2-1-1) to (2-6-1). More desirable compounds (2) are the compounds (2-1-1), (2-3-1), (2-4-1) and (2-6-1). Particularly desirable compounds (2) are the compounds (2-1-1), (2-4-1) and (2-6-1). Desirable compounds (3) are the compounds (3-1-1) to (3-4-1). More desirable compounds (3) are the compounds (3-4-1). Desirable compounds (4) are the compounds (4-1-1) to (4-17-1), and (4-18) to (4-23). More desirable compounds (4) are the compounds (4-9-1), (4-11-1), (4-15-1), and (4-17-1). Particularly desirable compounds (4) are the compounds (4-11-1) and (4-17-1).

Sixth, additives capable of being mixed with the composition will be explained. The additives include an optically active compound, an antioxidant, an ultraviolet light absorbent, a coloring matter, an antifoaming agent, a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator and so forth. An optically active compound is mixed in the composition for inducing a helical structure of liquid crystal to provide a twist angle. Examples of the optically active compound include the compounds (5-1) to (5-4) below. A desirable ratio of the optically active compound is approximately 5% by weight or less, and a more desirable ratio thereof ranges from approximately 0.01% by weight to approximately 2%.

An antioxidant is mixed with the composition in order to avoid a decrease in specific resistance caused by heating in the air, or to maintain a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature even after the device has been used for a long time.

Preferred examples of the antioxidant include the compound (6):

wherein n is an integer from 1 to 9. In the compound (6), desirable n are 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9. More desirable n are 1 or 7. When n is 1, the compound (6) has a large volatility, and is effective in preventing the decrease of specific resistance caused by heating in the air. When n is 7, the compound (6) has a small volatility, and is effective in maintaining a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also nearly at the maximum temperature even after the device has been used for a long time. A desirable ratio of the antioxidant is approximately 50 ppm or more in order to obtain the advantages thereof and is approximately 600 ppm or less in order to prevent the maximum temperature from being decreased and to prevent the minimum temperature from being increased. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 100 ppm to approximately 300 ppm.

Preferred examples of the ultraviolet light absorbent include a benzophenone derivative, a benzoate derivative and a triazole derivative. A light stabilizer having steric hindrance such as an amine is also desirable. A desirable ratio of the absorbent and the stabilizer is approximately 50 ppm or more for obtaining the advantages thereof and is approximately 10,000 ppm or less for preventing the maximum temperature from being decreased and preventing the minimum temperature from being increased. A more desirable ratio thereof ranges from approximately 100 ppm to approximately 10,000 ppm.

A dichroic dye such as an azo dye or an anthraquinone dye is mixed with the composition to suit for a device of a guest host (GH) mode. A desirable ratio of the dye ranges from approximately 0.01% by weight to approximately 10% by weight. An antifoaming agent such as dimethyl silicone oil or methylphenyl silicone oil is mixed with the composition for preventing foaming from occurring. A desirable ratio of the antifoaming agent is approximately 1 ppm or more for obtaining the advantages thereof and is approximately 1,000 ppm or less for preventing display failure from occurring. A more desirable ratio thereof ranges from approximately 1 ppm to approximately 500 ppm.

A polymerizable compound is mixed with the composition for applying the composition to a device having a PSA (polymer sustained alignment) mode. Preferred examples of the polymerizable compound include compounds having a polymerizable group, such as acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl, vinyloxy, propenyl ether, vinylketone, epoxy such as oxirane, oxetane, and so forth. Particularly preferred examples thereof include derivatives of acrylate or methacrylate. A desirable ratio of the polymerizable group is from approximately 0.05% by weight or more for obtaining the advantages thereof, and is approximately 10% by weight or less for preventing display failure from occurring. A more desirable ratio is from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 2% by weight. The polymerizable compound is polymerized preferably in the presence of a suitable initiator, such as a photopolymerization initiator and so forth, under radiation of ultraviolet light. Suitable conditions for polymerization and a suitable type and a suitable amount of the initiator have been known by a skilled person in the art and are disclosed in literatures. Examples of the photopolymerization initiator suitable for radical polymerization include Irgacure 651 (trade name), Irgacure 184 (trade name) and Darocure 1173 (trade name), all produced by Ciba Japan K.K. The polymerizable compound preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator in an amount of from approximately 0.1% by weight to approximately 5% by weight, and particularly preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator in an amount of from approximately 1% by weight to approximately 3% by weight.

Seventh, the preparation methods of the component compounds will be explained. These compounds can be prepared by known methods. The preparation method will be exemplified below. The compound (1-1-1-1) and (3-6-1) are synthesized by the method disclosed in JP H10-204016/1998. The compound (2-1-1) and (2-4-1) are synthesized by the method disclosed in JP H4-30382 B/1992. The compounds ((3-5-1) and (3-8-1) are synthesized by the method disclosed in JP H2-233626 A/1990. The antioxidant is commercially available. The compound (6), wherein n is 1, is available, for example, from Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. The compound (6), wherein n is 7, and so forth are prepared by the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,505.

The compounds for which preparation methods were not described above can be prepared according to the methods described in Organic Syntheses (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Organic Reactions (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Comprehensive Organic Synthesis (Pergamon Press), New Experimental Chemistry Course (Shin Jikken Kagaku Kouza) (Maruzen, Inc.), and so forth. The composition is prepared according to known methods using the compounds thus obtained. For example, the component compounds are mixed and dissolved in each other by heating.

Last, use of the composition will be explained. The compositions of the invention mainly have a minimum temperature of approximately −10° C. or less, a maximum temperature of approximately 70° C. or more, and an optical anisotropy of approximately 0.07 to approximately 0.20. The device containing the composition has a large voltage holding ratio. The composition is suitable for an AM device. The composition is suitable especially for an AM device of a transmission type. The composition having an optical anisotropy of approximately 0.08 to approximately 0.25 and further having an optical anisotropy of approximately 0.10 to approximately 0.30 may be prepared by controlling ratios of the component compounds or by mixing other liquid crystal compounds. The composition can be used as a composition having a nematic phase and as an optically active composition by adding an optically active compound.

The composition can be used for an AM device. It can be also used for a PM device. The composition can be also used for an AM device and a PM device having a mode such as PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, VA, PSA and so forth. It is desirable to use the composition for an AM device having a TN, OCB or IPS mode. These devices may be of a reflection type, a transmission type or a semi-transmission type. It is desirable to use the composition for a device of a transmission type. It can be used for an amorphous silicon-TFT device or a polycrystal silicon-TFT device. The composition is also usable for a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) device prepared by microcapsulating the composition, and for a polymer dispersed (PD) device in which a three dimensional net-work polymer is formed in the composition.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the invention and specific examples provided herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention that come within the scope of any claims and their equivalents.

The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

When a sample was a composition, it was measured as it was, and the obtained value is described here. When a sample was a compound, a sample for measurement was prepared by mixing 15% by weight of the compound and 85% by weight of mother liquid crystals. A value of characteristic of the compound was calculated by extrapolating from a value obtained by measurement. Namely: extrapolated value=(value measured for sample−0.85×value measured for mother liquid crystals)/0.15. When a smectic phase (or crystals) separated out at this ratio at 25° C., a ratio of the compound to mother liquid crystals was changed step by step in the order of (10% by weight/90% by weight), (5% by weight/95% by weight), (1% by weight/99% by weight), respectively. Values for a maximum temperature, optical anisotropy, viscosity, and dielectric anisotropy of the compound were obtained by the extrapolation.

The component of the mother liquid crystals is as shown below. The ratio of the component is expressed by weight %.

Measurement of the characteristics was carried out according to the following methods. Most methods are described in the Standard of Electric Industries Association of Japan, EIAJ ED-2521 A or those with some modifications.

Maximum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (NI; ° C.): A sample was placed on a hot plate in a melting point apparatus equipped with a polarizing microscope and was heated at the rate of 1° C. per minute. A temperature was measured when a part of the sample began to change from a nematic phase into an isotropic liquid. A higher limit of a temperature range of a nematic phase may be abbreviated to “a maximum temperature.”

Minimum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (Tc; ° C.): A sample having a nematic phase was put in a glass vial and then kept in a freezer at temperatures of 0° C., −10° C., 20° C., −30° C., and −40° C. for ten days, respectively, and a liquid crystal phase was observed. For example, when the sample remained in a nematic phase at −20° C. and changed to crystals or a smectic phase at −30° C., Tc was expressed as ≦−20° C. A lower limit of a temperature range of a nematic phase may be abbreviated to “a minimum temperature.”

Viscosity (Bulk Viscosity; η; measured at 20° C., mPa·s): A viscosity was measured by means of an E-type viscometer.

Viscosity (Rotational Viscosity; γ1; measured at 25° C.; mPa·s): Rotational viscosity was measured according to the method disclosed in M. Imai, et al., Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals, vol. 259, p. 37 (1995). A sample was placed in a TN device, in which a twist angle was 0°, and a distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) was 5 μm. The device was applied with a voltage in a range of from 16 V to 19.5 V stepwise by 0.5 V. After a period of 0.2 second with no application of voltage, voltage application was repeated with only one rectangular wave (rectangular pulse of 0.2 second) and application of no voltage (2 seconds). A peak current and a peak time of a transient current generated by the voltage application were measured. Rotational viscosity was obtained from the measured values and the calculating equation (8) in the literature by M. Imai, et al., p. 40. As the dielectric anisotropy necessary for the calculation, the value was measured by the measuring method of dielectric anisotropy described below with the device for measuring the rotational viscosity.

Optical Anisotropy (refractive index anisotropy; Δn; measured at 25° C.): Measurement was carried out with an Abbe refractometer mounting a polarizing plate on an ocular using a light at a wavelength of 589 nm. The surface of a main prism was rubbed in one direction, and then a sample was dropped on the main prism. Refractive index (n∥) was measured when the direction of a polarized light was parallel to that of the rubbing. Refractive index (n⊥) was measured when the direction of a polarized light was perpendicular to that of the rubbing. A value of optical anisotropy was calculated from the equation: Δn=n∥−n⊥.

Dielectric Anisotropy (Δε; measured at 25° C.): A sample was put in a TN device having a distance between two glass substrates (cell gap) of 9 μm and a twist angle of 80°. Sine waves (10 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and a dielectric constant (ε∥) in a major axis direction of a liquid crystal molecule was measured after 2 seconds. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and a dielectric constant (ε∥) in a minor axis direction of a liquid crystal molecule was measured after 2 seconds. A value of a dielectric anisotropy was calculated from the equation: Δε=ε∥−ε⊥.

Threshold Voltage (Vth; measured at 25° C.; V): Measurement was carried out with an LCD Evaluation System Model LCD-5100 made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. The light source was a halogen lamp. A sample was poured into a TN device of a normally white mode, in which a cell gap between two glass plates was about 0.45/Δn (μm), and a twist angle was 80°. Voltage to be applied to the device (32 Hz, rectangular waves) was stepwise increased by 0.02 volt starting from 0 V up to 10 V. During the stepwise increasing, the device was irradiated with light in a perpendicular direction, and an amount of the light passing through the device was measured.

Voltage-transmission curve was prepared, in which a maximum amount of a light corresponded to 100% transmittance, and a minimum amount of a light corresponded to 0% transmittance. Threshold voltage is a value at 90% transmittance.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-1; measured at 25° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement has a film and the cell gap between two glass plates is 5 μm. A sample was poured into the device, and then the device was sealed with an adhesive which is polymerized by the irradiation of an ultraviolet light. The TN device was applied and charged with pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V). Decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with High Speed Voltmeter and the area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was obtained. The area B was an area without decreasing. Voltage holding ratio is a percentage of the area A to the area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-2; measured at 80° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement has a polyimide-alignment film and the cell gap between two glass plates is 5 μm. A sample was poured into the device, and then the device was sealed with an adhesive which is polymerized by the irradiation of an ultraviolet light. The TN device was applied and charged with pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V). Decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with High Speed Voltmeter and the area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was obtained. The area B was an area without decreasing. Voltage holding ratio is a percentage of the area A to the area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-3; measured at 25° C.; %): A voltage holding ratio was measured after irradiating with ultraviolet light to evaluate stability to ultraviolet light. A composition having large VHR-3 has a large stability to ultraviolet light. A TN device used for measurement has a polyimide-alignment film and the cell gap is 5 μm. A sample was poured into the device, and then the device was irradiated with light for 20 minutes. The light source was a superhigh voltage mercury lamp USH-500D (produced by Ushio, Inc.), and the distance between the device and the light source is 20 cm. In measurement of VHR-3, a decreasing voltage is measured for 16.7 milliseconds. VHR-3 is desirably 90% or more, and more desirably 95% or more.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-4; measured at 25° C.; %): A voltage holding ratio was measured after heating an TN device having a sample poured therein in a constant-temperature bath at 80° C. for 500 hours to evaluate stability to heat. A composition having large VHR-4 has a large stability to heat. In measurement of VHR-4, a decreasing voltage is measured for 16.7 milliseconds.

Response Time (τ; measured at 25° C.; millisecond): Measurement was carried out with an LCD Evaluation System Model LCD-5100 made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. Light source is a halogen lamp. Low-pass filter was set at 5 kHz. A sample was poured into a TN device of a normally white mode, in which a cell gap between two glass plates was 5.0 μm, and a twist angle was 80°. Rectangle waves (60 Hz, 5 V, 0.5 seconds) were applied to the device. During application, the device was irradiated with light in a perpendicular direction, and an amount of the light passing through the device was measured. A maximum amount of a light corresponds to 100% transmittance, and a minimum amount of a light corresponds to 0% transmission. Rise time (τr) is a period of time required for the change in transmittance from 90% to 10%. Fall time (τf) is a period of time required for the change in transmittance from 10% to 90%. Response time is a sum of the rise time and the fall time thus obtained.

Specific Resistance (τ; measured at 25° C.; Ωcm): 1.0 mL of a sample was charged in a vessel equipped with electrodes. A direct current voltage of 10 V was applied to the vessel, and after lapsing 10 second from the application of voltage, the direct electric current was measured. The specific resistance was calculated by the equation: (specific resistance)={(voltage)×(electric capacity of vessel)}/{(direct current)×(dielectric constant of vacuum)}.

Gas Chromatographic Analysis: A Gas Chromatograph Model GC-14B made by Shimadzu was used for measurement. The carrier gas was helium (2 milliliters per minute). An evaporator and a detector (FID) were set up at 280° C. and 300° C., respectively. Capillary column DB-1 (length 30 meters, bore 0.32 millimeters, film thickness 0.25 micrometers, dimethylpolysiloxane as stationary phase, no polarity) made by Agilent Technologies, Inc. was used for the separation of the component compound. After the column had been kept at 200° C. for 2 minutes, it was further heated to 280° C. at the rate of 5° C. per minute. A sample was prepared in an acetone solution (0.1% by weight), and 1 microliter of the solution was injected into the evaporator. The recorder used was a Chromatopac Model C-R5A made by Shimadzu or its equivalent. Thus obtained Gas chromatogram showed a retention time of a peak and a peak area corresponding to the component compound.

Solvents for diluting the sample may also be chloroform, hexane, and so forth. The following capillary columns may also be used for separating the component compound: HP-1 made by Agilent Technologies Inc. (length 30 meters, bore 0.32 millimeters, film thickness 0.25 micrometers), Rtx-1 made by Restek Corporation (length 30 meters, bore 0.32 millimeters, film thickness 0.25 micrometers), and BP-1 made by SGE International Pty. Ltd. (length 30 meters, bore 0.32 millimeters, film thickness 0.25 micrometers). In order to prevent compound peaks from overlapping, a capillary column CBP1-M50-025 (50 meters, bore 0.25 millimeters, film thickness 0.25 micrometers) made by Shimadzu Corporation may be used.

The ratios of the liquid crystal compounds contained in the composition can also be calculated in the following manner. A liquid crystal compound can be detected by gas chromatography. An area ratio of peaks on a gas chromatogram corresponds to a ratio (molar number) of liquid crystal compounds. In the case where the aforementioned capillary columns are used, correction coefficients of the liquid crystal compounds can be regarded as 1. Accordingly, the ratio (% by weight) of liquid crystal compounds is calculated from the area ratio of peaks.

The invention will be explained in detail by way of Examples. The invention is not limited by the Examples described below. The compounds described in the Comparative Examples and the Examples are expressed by the symbols according to the definition in Table 3. In Table 3, the configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene is trans. The parenthesized number next to the symbolized compounds in the Examples corresponds to the number of the desirable compound. The symbol (-) means other liquid crystal compound. A ratio (percentage) of a liquid crystal compound is percentage by weight (% by weight) based on the total weight of liquid crystal compounds, and the liquid crystal compositions further contain impurities. Last, the characteristics of the composition are summarized.

TABLE 3 Method of Description of Compound using Symbols R—(A₁)—Z₁— . . . —Z_(n)—(A_(n))—R′ Symbol 1) Left Terminal Group R— C_(n)H_(2n+1)— n- C_(n)H_(2n+1)O— nO— C_(m)H_(2m+1)OC_(n)H_(2n)— mOn- CH₂═CH— V— C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— nV— CH₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— Vn- C_(m)H_(2m+1)—CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— mVn- CF₂═CH— VFF— CF₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— VFFn- 2) Right Terminal Group —F —C_(n)H_(2n+1) -n —OC_(n)H_(2n+1) —On —CH═CH₂ —V —CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1) —Vn —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ -nV —CH═CF₂ —VFF —F —F —Cl —CL —OCF₃ —OCF3 3) Bonding group —Zn— —C₂H₄— 2 —COO— E —CH═CH— V —C≡C— T —CF₂O— X 4) Ring Structure —An—

H

B

B(F)

B(2F)

B(F,F)

B(2F,5F)

Py

G 5) Example of Description Example 1 V2-BB(F)B-1

Example 2 3-HB-CL

Example 3 101-HBBH-5

Example 4 3-BB(F,F)XB(F)-OCF3

Comparative Example 1

Example 39 was selected from the compositions disclosed in WO 1996/11897 A. The basis is that the composition contains a compound (4), and has the highest maximum temperature and the largest optical anisotropy. The components and characteristics of the composition were as follows.

3-HBXB(F,F)-F (4) 3% 5-HBXB(F,F)-F (4) 8% 3-HBXB-OCF3 (4) 5% 2-HBB(F)-F (4) 8% 3-HBB(F)-F (4) 8% 5-HBB(F)-F (4) 16% 5-HB-F (4) 6% 7-HB-F (4) 6% 5-HHB-OCF3 (4) 8% 3-H2HB-OCF3 (4) 8% 5-H2HB-OCF3 (4) 8% 3-HH2B-OCF3 (4) 8% 5-HH2B-OCF3 (4) 8% NI = 84.9° C.; Δn = 0.101; Δε = 5.5; Vth = 2.12 V; η = 16.6 mPa · s.

Comparative Example 2

Example 1 was selected from the compositions disclosed in JP 2003-176251 A. The basis is that the composition contains a compounds (3-3-1), (4), (4-6) and has the highest maximum temperature and the largest optical anisotropy. The components and characteristics of the composition were as follows.

3-HHB(F)-F (4) 10.8%  5-HHB(F)-F (4)   9% 3-HH2B-OCF3 (4) 4.5% 5-HH2B-OCF3 (4) 4.5% 3-HB(F)BH-3 (3-3-1) 1.8% 5-HB(F)BH-3 (3-3-1) 1.8% 5-HB(F)BH-5 (3-3-1) 1.8% 6-HB-F (4) 7.2% 7-HB-F (4) 5.4% 2-HHB-OCF3 (4) 7.2% 3-HHB-OCF3 (4) 10.8%  4-HHB-OCF3 (4) 6.3% 5-HHB-OCF3 (4) 9.9% 5-HB-F (4)   9% V-HHXB(F,F)-F (4-6)  10% NI = 90.3° C.; Δn = 0.095; Δε = 5.6.

Example 1

The compositions of Example 1 have a higher maximum temperature and a larger optical anisotropy than those of comparative example 1.

5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 10% V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 37% 1V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 11% V-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 8% V2-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 3% 2-BB(F)B-3 (2-6-1) 8% 2-BB(F)B-5 (2-6-1) 3% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3-4-1) 4% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 6% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 10% NI = 100.9° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.116; Δε = 3.1; Vth = 2.62 V; η = 18.0 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.2%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 2

The compositions of Example 2 have a higher maximum temperature and a larger optical anisotropy than those of Comparative example

2.5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 5% 5-HB(F)HHXB(F,F)-F (1-1-4-1) 5% V-HH-4 (2-1-1) 10% V-HH-5 (2-1-1) 20% 1V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 5% 1-BB(F)B-2V (2-6-1) 3% 5-HB(F)BH-3 (3-3-1) 5% 3-HHB(F,F)-F (4-5-1) 7% 3-HHXB(F,F)-F (4-6-1) 7% 3-HBB(F,F)-F (4-8-1) 8% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 9% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-13-1) 4% 4-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-13-1) 5% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 7% NI = 101.7° C.; Tc ≦ −40° C.; Δn = 0.110; Δε = 6.2; Vth = 2.47 V; η = 28.6 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.2%; VHR-2 = 98.3%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 3

The compositions of Example 3 have a higher maximum temperature and a larger optical anisotropy than those of Comparative example 1.

5-HHB(F)HXB(F)-OCF3 (1-1-1) 5% 5-GHB(F)HXBF-OCF3 (1-1-2-2) 5% V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 30% 1V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 5% V2-BB-1 (2-3-1) 4% V2-BB(F)B-1 (2-6-1) 5% V2-BB(F)B-2 (2-6-1) 5% V2-BB(F)B-3 (2-6-1) 5% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3-4-1) 5% 1V2-BB-F (4-2-1) 3% 1V2-BB-CL (4-3-1) 3% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F)-OCF3 (4-12-1) 9% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-13-1) 4% 3-HHB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-14-1) 5% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 7% NI = 100.3° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.137; Δε = 4.9; Vth = 2.29 V; η = 24.8 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.2%; VHR-2 = 98.3%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 4

The compositions of Example 4 have a higher maximum temperature and a larger optical anisotropy than those of Comparative example 2.

5-GHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-2-1) 5% 5-HGB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-3-1) 5% V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 30% 1V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 5% V2-BB-1 (2-3-1) 4% 3-HBB-2 (2-5-1) 4% 5-HBBH-3 (3-2-1) 5% 3-HHXB(F,F)-F (4-6-1) 8% 3-HBB-F (4-7-1) 2% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 9% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 5% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 10% 3-HHXB(F)-OCF3 (4-18) 8% NI = 92.9° C.; Tc ≦ −40° C.; Δn = 0.109; Δε = 8.2; Vth = 1.36 V; η = 28.1 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.2%; VHR-2 = 98.3%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 5

5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 5% 5-HB(F)HHXB(F,F)-F (1-1-4-1) 5% 2-HH-5 (2-1-1) 15% 3-HB-O2 (2-2-1) 3% V2-BB-1 (2-3-1) 10% 3-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 5% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-4 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HB-CL (4-1-1) 5% 3-HHB-CL (4-4-1) 5% 5-HHB-CL (4-4-1) 5% 3-HHB(F,F)-F (4-5-1) 9% 3-HBB(F,F)-F (4-8-1) 7% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 12% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-13-1) 5% 1O1-HBBH-5 (—) 3% NI = 98.8° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.114; Δε = 4.1; Vth = 2.31 V; η = 28.5 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 6

5-GHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-2-1) 5% 5-HGB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-3-1) 5% 5-HGHXB(F)B(F,F)-F (1-2-1-1) 5% V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 30% V-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 5% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3-4-1) 5% 5-HBB(F)B-3 (3-4-1) 5% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 10% 3-HHBB(F,F)-F (4-13-1) 5% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-17-1) 9% 2-HGB(F,F)-F (4-22) 2% 3-HGB(F,F)-F (4-22) 3% 4-HGB(F,F)-F (4-22) 3% 5-HGB(F,F)-F (4-22) 2% 4-GHB(F,F)-F (4-23) 3% 5-GHB(F,F)-F (4-23) 3% NI = 104.5° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.114; Δε = 8.8; Vth = 1.31 V; η = 38.2 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.2%; VHR-2 = 98.2%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 7

5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 5% 5-HB(F)HHXB(F,F)-F (1-1-4-1) 5% 5-HHHXB(F)B(F,F)-F (1-2) 5% V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 30% V-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 5% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (3-4-1) 5% 5-HBB(F)B-3 (3-4-1) 5% 5-HB(F)BH-3 (3-3-1) 5% 2-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9-1) 6% 3-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9-1) 5% 4-BB(F)B(F,F)-F (4-9-1) 5% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 5% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F)-F (4-19) 5% 4-HBB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-15-1) 5% 4-HB(F)B(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-16-1) 4% NI = 109.0° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.130; Δε = 7.4; Vth = 1.77 V; η = 36.9 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 98.2%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 8

5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 5% 5-GHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-2-1) 5% 5-HGB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-3-1) 5% V-HH-5 (2-1-1) 20% 1V-HH-3 (2-1-1) 10% V-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 9% V2-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 5% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-1-1) 5% 3-HB-CL (4-1-1) 10% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 10% 3-PyBB-F (4-10-1) 6% 4-PyBB-F (4-10-1) 5% 5-PyBB-F (4-10-1) 5% NI = 113.1° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.121; Δε = 5.1; Vth = 1.88 V; η = 27.7 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 9

5-HHB(F)HXB(F,F)-F (1-1-1-1) 5% 5-HB(F)HHXB(F,F)-F (1-1-4-1) 5% 3-HH-VFF (2-1) 16% 5-HH-VFF (2-1) 7% V2-BB-1 (2-3-1) 8% V-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 5% V2-HHB-1 (2-4-1) 9% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-1-1) 4% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HHEBH-3 (3-1-1) 3% 3-HBB-F (4-7-1) 5% 5-HBB-F (4-7-1) 4% 3-BB(F,F)XB(F,F)-F (4-11-1) 10% 3-HHEB(F,F)-F (4-20) 10% 5-HHEB(F,F)-F (4-20) 3% 3-HBEB(F,F)-F (4-21) 3% NI = 108.8° C.; Tc ≦ −30° C.; Δn = 0.110; Δε = 4.5; Vth = 1.99 V; η = 26.8 mPa · s; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the disclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the conditions and order of steps can be resorted to by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase comprising three components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1-1) and (1-2), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3):

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 3,5-difluoro-1,4 phenylene; ring D, ring E, ring F and ring G are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z¹, Z² and Z³ are each independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and m is 0 or
 1. 2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (1-1-1) to (1-1-4) and (1-2-1):

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; and X¹, X², X¹, X⁴, X⁵, X⁶, X⁷ and X⁸ are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy.
 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 2, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1-1-1) to (1-1-3).
 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1) to (2-6):

wherein R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.
 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1).
 6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (2-1) to (2-4).
 7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 4, wherein the second component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-1), at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-4), and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2-6).
 8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-1) to (3-4):

wherein R² and R³ are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.
 9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 8, wherein the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3-4).
 10. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first component is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 25% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition, a ratio of the second component is from approximately 30% by weight to approximately 80% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition, and a ratio of the third component is from approximately 5% by weight to approximately 25% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition
 11. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a fourth component:

wherein R¹ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons; ring H is independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,3-dioxan-2,5-diyl, 1,4-phenylene,2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene,3,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, or 2,5-pirymidine; Z⁴ is independently a single bond, ethylene, carbonyloxy or difluoromethyleneoxy; X¹ and X² are each independently hydrogen or fluorine; Y¹ is fluorine, chlorine or trifluoromethoxy; and n is 1, 2 or
 3. 12. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 11, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formulas (4-1) to (4-17):

wherein R⁴ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.
 13. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-9).
 14. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11).
 15. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-14).
 16. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-17).
 17. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-6) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11).
 18. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-9) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1).
 19. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fourth component is a mixture of at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-11) and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-17).
 20. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 11, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is from approximately 10% by weight to approximately to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 21. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has a maximum temperature of a nematic phase of approximately 70° C. or more, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nm of approximately 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz of approximately 2 or more.
 22. A liquid display device that includes the liquid crystal composition according to claim
 1. 23. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 22, wherein the liquid crystal display device has an operation mode of a TN mode, an OCB mode, an IPS mode or a PSA mode, and has a driving mode of an active matrix mode. 